Pharaoh Ignores God’s Warnings

I’m not sure how many years Bible commentaries have been available; but I feel like I have discovered an exciting new world! Today, I am using The MACARTHUR BIBLE COMMENTARY by John MacArthur to help with clearer understanding my study of Moses and his leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

I had forgotten that God had instructed Moses and Aaron to go to Pharaoh and say the first time, “The LORD God of the Hebrews has met with us, and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.” Exodus 3:18b NKJV This was a good idea as it would give them a head start perhaps before the Egyptians realized their slaves were gone! But, that wouldn’t help the Hebrews to leave with more than they came with, as God had promised Moses. (Exodus 3:21)

God knew that the king would not let them go for any reason. “But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all of My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go.” Exodus 3: 19 -20 NKJV

In the MacArthur Commentary, Exodus 4:15 “…and I will teach you..” “The plural pronoun you means that God had promised to assist both of them, Moses and Aaron, in their newly appointed duties.” Page 88

Another interesting insight: Exodus 4:16 “..you shall be to him as God…” “Aaron would speak to the people for Moses, even as Moses would speak to Aaron for the Lord.” Macarthur Bible Commentary page88

God had warned Pharaoh that if he refused to let Israel go, his own refusal would bring death to his firstborn son! Exodus 4: 21 NKJV Yet, we just read that God had told Moses that He was certain the king would not let Israel go. (Exodus 3:19) What was the purpose of Moses asking Pharaoh to release them if God knew he wouldn’t do it?

I pray you will read these passages carefully! NEVER take someone’s word about what God’s Word says!!! ALWAYS look it up for yourself and be sure!!! I had never thought about it that way and was grateful for this insight because it satisfied some questions I had; but you read it and ask God for clarity before making up your own mind!

“For the first time, apart from the words to Moses before the plagues began, (Exodus 4:21 7 &: 3), the statement is made that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. In the other instances, the record indicates that Pharaoh hardened his own heart. Each instance records “as the Lord commanded”, so what happened did so from two closely related perspectives (1) God was carrying out His purpose through Pharaoh, and (2) Pharaoh was personally responsible for his actions . (Exodus 9:13)“ MacArthur Bible Commentary page 95

My personal study and life’s experiences have proven to me that you and I also have these concepts working in each of our lives! God is carrying out His purpose through each of us but we too are personally responsible ,while using our God given freedom to make our own choices; that we do so according to God’s laws!

I write my blog because I want to share what I have found so exciting. May God give you the insight He desires for your heart!